Bernardini's defection leaves Belmont without star power

HORSE RACING

HORSE RACING

May 26, 2006|New York Daily News

NEW YORK -- Preakness Stakes winner Bernardini will pass on the June 10 Belmont Stakes, according to Sheikh Mohammed's Darley Stable, and instead point for a summer return. "Bernardini has had three races in quick succession, and Sheikh Mohammed feels that the colt deserves a break before his next target, which will be determined in due course. Therefore, he will not contest the Belmont Stakes," said James G. Bell, president of Darley USA.